San Francisco, the 13th largest city in the US and home to one of the liveliest dating scenes on the west coast. With all the stunning sites and historical intrigue, it’s no wonder why people flock to the Golden City for their work, social and love life.
What’s it Like to Date in San Francisco?
The city is full of young working professionals and boasts a vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of great opportunities to meet new people, whether it’s out at a bar or restaurant or something a little different, like meeting new people at a yoga class, a run club, museums, cooking classes or even a festival. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to meeting new people in San Francisco.
One of the only real drawbacks of dating in San Francisco is travelling to meet your date. This isn’t an issue for everyone, but San Fran is a pretty big city, and unlike NYC and other major cities that have expanded their dating diameters to cross rivers, boroughs and neighbourhoods, San Francisco falls a little short on this mark.
Below, we’ve provided some crucial tips to remember when it comes to dating in San Francisco.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative
With so much to do in San Francisco, it can become difficult to find something that’s personal or at least provides a truly unique dating experience. There are so many quirky date ideas in San Francisco to experience, like exploring the nightlife at The Academy of Sciences, testing your balance at the roller disco or creating your own picnic and going on a bike ride across the iconic Bay Area.
Everyone has different ideas when it comes to dating in San Francisco and that’s fine, because whether you’re someone who prefers quieter, more romantic dates or you’re on a first date and looking to experience San Fran’s bustling bar scene, there’s something here for everyone.
Keep Your Head Up and Your Skin Thick
The dating scene of the modern era is, of course, vastly different to how it was 20 years ago or even just a decade ago. We now live in a world where at a swipe of a screen, we can match with someone locally or miles away, which is great, right? Well, yes and no. Of course, online dating and dating apps have some fantastic advantages, however, it’s important you don’t rest all your laurels on a few successful matches.
While dating apps can often provide that swift connection, it’s important you don’t become glued to your phone texting them or hoping for another match. Arrange a face-to-face date as soon as possible and don’t get too disheartened if they don’t text you back or the date never materialises.
Location Still Plays a Big Role
San Francisco, despite all of its aesthetic romance, can become quite a lonely place when it comes to dating. It’s not that the dating scene itself is devoid of good-looking, successful and ambitious singles, it’s the simple fact that many of its dating pools are dedicated to whoever lives within a 15-minute cab ride. Even if one of you is located in North Beach and your date is down in Oceanview, you may have to be prepared to constantly send updated ETAs if you hit traffic on the Southern Freeway.
We’re not saying you shouldn’t date someone because of where they live, just be mindful of it so you can work around it if they are a bit further away!
Looking for Unique Date Ideas in San Francisco?
If you’re looking for some great date ideas in San Francisco, take a look at a few of our favourites below.
Hunt for the San Franciso Swings
Did you know that San Francisco has a few rope swings hidden around the city? The challenge is that the rope swings are often removed and installed in different parts of the city. One of the most infamous swings is known as the Kirby Cove Swing and is arguably the one that’s there the most. Even if you don’t have any luck finding the swings, the experience in itself is always exciting and rewarding.
Take a Trip to Land’s End Labyrinth
If you don’t know where Land’s End is, it can be found at the north-western corner of San Francisco. The area itself is known for its stunning views, trail walks and its beautiful picnic area.
In essence, it’s an incredible trail walk (or hike) that takes about 20 minutes. On a clear day, you will also be able to take in the stunning sight of the full golden gate bridge.
Enjoy Wine Tasting in the Santa Cruz Mountains
What’s better than wine tasting? Wine tasting with a view. While this isn’t technically San Francisco (as it’s located in the Bay Area), it’s still a fantastic date idea to consider – ideal if you work or live in the South Bay area! We’d usually include Napa or Sonoma in this list, but they’re usually quite crowded, whereas the wineries in Santa Cruz are quieter, perfect for a first time date or simply heading out with your partner.
Explore the Exploratorium After Dark
Every Thursday, the Exploratorium holds an “after-dark” event for adults that is genuinely so much fun to, well, explore. You will be able to lose yourself in hundreds of interactive exhibits in spacious galleries, exploring perception, art and science. Lose yourself in mind-bending mirrored, dazzling light displays and immersive kaleidoscopes. This is a truly fun and unique date idea in San Franisco and can be enjoyed by everyone.
Struggling in the San Francisco Dating Scene?
Finding the time to meet the right people, let alone find the time to date in San Francisco can become a tiring and demoralizing concept. Whether you find it tough due to work commitments, struggle to meet the right people on dating apps or simply haven’t been on the dating scene for a while, our professional and highly experienced matchmakers will be able to help you.
We pride ourselves on creating a safe, professional and personal space for you to discuss your dating history and what you’re looking for in a partner. To learn more about what to expect when you become a private member, simply call or email us, or become a private member below.
